Is your big toe cocking upward, rubbing the top of every shoe, or developing a painful callus on the tip? A hallux hammertoe can start as a minor annoyance and slowly progress into a rigid deformity that makes walking, exercising, and even getting dressed in the morning feel like a chore. The right surgical correction can straighten the toe, relieve pressure, and restore comfortable movement so you can get back to the activities you love.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of trusted foot and ankle expertise to every patient in the Houston area. As the practice voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, our team blends advanced surgical technique with warm, patient-centered care.
What Is Hallux Hammertoe?
The hallux, or big toe, is made up of two small bones called phalanges. A hallux hammertoe occurs when the toe begins to cock upward at the joint between these bones. In the early stages, the deformity is flexible and easier to correct. As it progresses, the joint stiffens, and the toe becomes rigid, often leading to shoe friction, painful calluses, or open sores on the tip of the toe.
Common Causes
Hallux hammertoe can develop for several reasons, and identifying the underlying cause helps guide the right surgical plan. Common contributors include:
- Muscle imbalance or weakness after a stroke or other neurological condition
- Damage or laceration to the tendon on the bottom of the big toe
- Previous bunion surgery that altered the balance around the joint
- Absence or surgical removal of the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe
- A high-arched foot structure, which may also cause smaller hammertoes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a clinical exam and a focused review of your history. X-rays help measure the degree of deformity, assess the joint, and confirm the presence or absence of the sesamoid bones. When no clear cause is identified, a neurology evaluation may be recommended to look for underlying nerve or muscle issues.
Surgical Treatment Options
Splinting alone rarely straightens a hallux hammertoe, so surgical correction offers the most reliable relief when symptoms interfere with daily life. Your treatment plan depends on whether the deformity is flexible or rigid.
- Tendon release: For flexible deformities, a small incision is made on the side of the toe to release the tendon on the bottom. This in-office procedure, performed under local anesthesia, can also help heal a stubborn ulcer at the tip of the toe.
- Joint fusion: For rigid deformities, the joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are held together with a small screw, permanently straightening the toe. This is typically performed in an outpatient surgical center.
Recovery and Results
After a tendon release, sutures and a protective dressing stay in place for 7 to 10 days, and most patients return to regular shoes within two weeks. Fusion procedures require a stiff-soled surgical shoe for about six weeks while the bones heal, with full activity often resuming around three months. Possible complications, while uncommon, include infection, swelling, delayed healing, or hardware irritation that may eventually require screw removal.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Hallux Hammertoe Surgery in The Woodlands, TX?
Patients across Greater Houston choose our practice because we combine compassionate care with leading-edge technology and decades of surgical experience. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey personally guide you through every step, from imaging and diagnosis to surgical planning and post-operative follow-up, ensuring your plan fits your foot structure, lifestyle, and goals.
Our patient-centered approach extends well beyond the operating room. With prompt appointments, in-office physical therapy, and MLS Laser Therapy to ease pain and inflammation, we deliver coordinated, comprehensive recovery support under one roof — all backed by our 14-year streak as The Woodlands’ top-voted podiatry practice.
Take the Next Step Toward a Straighter, Pain-Free Toe
A cocked, painful big toe doesn’t have to dictate which shoes you wear or which activities you enjoy. With accurate diagnosis, skilled surgical correction, and attentive recovery care, lasting relief is within reach. Schedule your consultation with Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists at our The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to start your path back to comfortable, confident movement.